Friday, June 16, 2006

2,500



2,500. It has now become a number versus a face, a name, a father or son. It's now a number.

We've lost so many in this pointless battle, that the individuals are no longer a person, they've grown into a number. At least, that is, to our government and our administration.

72% of our troops in Iraq no longer have confidence in our fearless leader, nor understand the mission they are presently involved in. They must be frustrated.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

English Only?

English Only? Okay. But only so far as it extends to American governmental publicly published documents, laws, etc. Street signs? Okay. Traffic signs? Okay. These make sense.

Spanish as the second language? Not necessarily. But, I don't think the U.S. government should limit what documents and options are available for all its residents.

Chinese? If one were to exam the various China-Towns from New York City to Los Angeles, it seems feasible that the government could provide copies or translators via telephone or internet for such feasible purposes. If we examine the public sector in these regards, we see, also, that there are translations available for U.S. residents in that aspect; HSBC is a perfect example.

French as the second language? "Oh my God, he just said French!" Look at Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont. There are still small pockets of French-speaking peoples within these particular Northeastern states, it would seem acceptable for these state governments or the national government to provide a suitable option for these residents as well.

I am not saying that English should be eliminated or pushed aside so a 'national second language' could be created. No. I understand, and appreciate that English is the 'unofficial-official' language of the United States. That's fine.

But, when particular owner's of South Philadelphia hotspots insist that English be the only language taught and understood in the United States, I think this creates an issue. There is beauty in foreign language, and there is necessity in it as well. In a field like mine, a liberal arts field, French and German is expected to be understood. It's not exactly a choice.

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For more on the Philadelphia Cheese-steak shop insisting only on English, check the following blog:

http://hungovergourmet.blogspot.com/2006/06/genos-crappy-sandwiches-arent-their.html